Matthew

American  

[math-yoo] / ˈmæθ yu /

noun

1. one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, believed to be the author of the first Gospel: originally called Levi.

2. (in the New Testament) the first Gospel. Matt.

3. a male given name.

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Matthew British  

/ ˈmæθjuː /

noun

1. a tax collector of Capernaum called by Christ to be one of the 12 apostles (Matthew 9:9–13; 10:3). Feast day: Sept 21 or Nov 16

2. the first Gospel, traditionally ascribed to him

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Etymology

Origin of Matthew

From Old French Mathieu, from Late Latin Matthaeus, from Greek Matthaîos, Maththaîos, from Aramaic Mattāi, shortening of Hebrew Mattityāh(ū), Mattanyāh(ū) “Gift of Yahweh”

Example Sentences

Matthew McMahon, the museum collections officer at the observatory, said the exhibition deliberately focused not on Öpik's scientific achievements, but on his personal story.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

The research team also included Matthew J. Baker, associate professor of linguistics at Brigham Young University, and Jordan Smith, assistant professor of English at the University of Northern Colorado.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

While from time to time, like Matthew Arnold a century before, she professed to see some virtue in the lower classes, she reserved most of her literary barbs for the middle class.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Sinema has laid out her defense: Her relationship with Matthew Ammel occurred outside of the state’s jurisdiction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Matthew added, “I’ve got to go number one. My teeth are floating.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy